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The Global Samud Flotilla later said the vessel’s name is Marinette, and it is “still sailing strong”.

Meanwhile, Conscience, a ship carrying renowned Bangladeshi photographer and rights activist Shahidul Alam, was still sailing towards Gaza, according to the photographer’s Facebook page.

According to social media, Bangladeshi-origin British human rights activist and health specialist Ruhi Loren Akhtar is also taking part in the flotilla.

With the war in Gaza dragging on, solidarity with the Palestinians has grown globally, with activists and, increasingly, governments condemning Israel for its conduct.

Rights group Amnesty International criticised Israel for blocking the flotilla, saying it was an “act of intimidation intended to punish and silence critics of Israel’s genocide and its unlawful blockade on Gaza”.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also criticised Israel for seizing news workers travelling with the flotilla. The media watchdog said it identified 32 journalists on board the vessels, but it remains unclear who has been detained by Israeli forces at sea.

The boats, with dozens of activists from around the world on board, initially set sail from several European ports. After a 10-day stop in Tunisia, where organisers reported two drone attacks, the flotilla resumed its journey on September 15.

Across Europe, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Dublin, Paris, Berlin and Geneva to condemn Israel’s interception of the flotilla. Rallies also took place in Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Karachi.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he will expel all remaining Israeli diplomats in the country over the interception.

Turkey called the interception “an act of terrorism,” and said it had opened an investigation after Israeli forces arrested Turkish citizens on board the flotilla.

Spain yesterday summoned Israel’s top representative in Madrid, the foreign minister said, saying that 65 Spaniards were travelling with the flotilla.

Israel blocked similar flotilla attempts in June and July.

‘LARGE-SCALE MASSACRE’ FEARS

On the ground, Israeli tanks blocked the main road to Gaza City yesterday, preventing those who have left the besieged city from returning, and Defence Minister Israel Katz said it was now the last chance for hundreds of thousands of people still inside to escape.

Israel has threatened that any Palestinians who remain in Gaza City will be defined as “terrorists or terror supporters”.